Monir Hossain, Benapole Correspondent:-
This February, the Union Flower Field of Gadkhali in Jhikargachha Upazila of Jessore has become abuzz with flower cultivation ahead of Spring, World Love and International Mother Language Day. There are only a few days left. Local flower farmers are hoping to sell flowers worth at least 100 crore taka during these three days.
Known as the flower capital of Jessore, various types of flowers including roses, gerberas, gladiolus, marigolds, lilies, gypsies and chrysanthemums are being commercially cultivated in Gadkhali, Panisara and surrounding areas of Jhikargachha upazila. Although the flower production has been somewhat affected due to heavy rains this season, flower farmers have made extensive preparations for the upcoming three special days.
On the ground, flowers of various colors are blooming all over the fields. Farmers are busy day and night taking care of the flowers. Various steps are being taken to preserve the flowers until the festival and to prevent insects and rot.
Azizur Rahman, a flower farmer from the same area, said, "Those of us who cultivate flowers mainly cultivate for festivals. Spring Day, Valentine's Day and International Mother Language Day on February 21 are the biggest markets for us. This year, we spent Tk 3 lakh on production. We hope to be able to sell flowers worth Tk 8 lakh."
Abdullah Al Mamun, a farmer, said, "The roses are being kept under caps to capture the festival market. In addition, various types of medicines are being sprayed so that the flowers do not spoil. The profit and loss account for the whole year will depend on this sale. I hope I can make a profit."
Md. Shahin, a farmer from Panisara village in Jhikargachha upazila, said, "Our preparations are quite good for the next three days. Although there was some damage due to heavy rain at the beginning of last season, we are hoping to get a good price for our flowers this time."
Alamgir Kabir, a farmer from the Gadkhali area, said, "I have cultivated gerbera, chrysanthemum, roses and lilies on my land. All the fields are full of flowers. Now gerbera is being sold at a wholesale price of seven to eight taka per piece and roses at three taka. I hope the price of these flowers will triple in the future. This year, the target is to sell flowers worth five lakh taka."
Shahjahan Kabir, a flower farmer from Syedpara village of Panisara Union, said, "I have cultivated marigolds on five bighas of land and marigolds on two bighas. I will sell marigolds on Valentine's Day and marigolds on February 21, Mother Language Day. Now I am using vitamins and pesticides to preserve the flowers and protect them from insects. I hope to get a wholesale price of 25-30 taka for each rose."
Abu Jafar, general secretary of the Godkhali Flower Farmers and Traders Association, said, "This year, despite the delay in cultivation due to heavy rains, there has been a large production of flowers. Initiatives have also been taken to preserve flowers around the upcoming three festivals. The prices of flowers have started to increase and will continue to increase. As a result, we are hopeful that flowers worth at least 100 crore taka will be sold."
According to the Department of Agriculture, flowers are cultivated on about 600 hectares of land in Jessore and lakhs of people are directly and indirectly involved in this business. Those concerned are hoping that the economic condition of the farmers will improve if flowers are sold widely during the upcoming spring, Valentine's Day and International Mother Language Day.#
Sender:-
Md. Monir Hossain Benapole Correspondent Jessore.
Date:-07/02/2025
Mobile:-01835 019431
